As explained earlier, the Brillion School District's 2025–26 budget included approximately $2 million in reductions. About $1 million of those reductions were one-time measures, including a wage freeze, the use of reserve funds, and the reallocation of grant funding to cover employee salaries. The budget also eliminated one high school band instructor position and the elementary STEM science teacher's aide.

If approved, this operating referendum would replace those one-time budget measures, restore the district's financial stability, and reinstate the high school band instructor and the elementary STEM science teacher's aide.

[Placeholder: explain the mill-rate impact methodology and point to the tax estimator on the Facts page. Note whether the district expects the overall rate to change or stay flat as prior debt is retired.]

State aid has not kept pace with inflation. As a result, the Brillion School District must either pass the operating referendum or make an additional $1 million in budget reductions. The district previously operated under a three-year operating referendum, which expired with the 2025–26 budget. Brillion is not alone in facing these financial challenges, as many school districts across Wisconsin are experiencing similar budget constraints.

The district would need to make nearly $1 million in additional budget reductions. Because salaries represent the largest portion of the district's budget, these reductions would likely require eliminating staff positions. The average cost of employing a teacher is approximately $100,000, meaning that about 10 teaching positions would need to be eliminated.

Even if the elementary and middle schools reduced from three classroom sections per grade to two—resulting in class sizes of approximately 30 to 32 students—the savings still would not total $1 million.

At the high school, there are 6.5 teachers who teach elective courses. Even eliminating every elective course would still fall well short of the $1 million reduction needed. Those elective programs include agriculture, Family and Consumer Education (FACE), art, band, choral music, and technology education.

The Vote Yes committee is made up of a dozen parents and community members who recognize the importance of maintaining a strong and successful school district in Brillion. The committee is committed to providing accurate information, fostering community engagement, and encouraging residents to participate in the upcoming election.

Even if you don't have children attending Brillion Public Schools, the school district affects the community in several ways. Public schools educate future workers, business owners, and community leaders. They are also one of the public services that many families consider when deciding where to live, which can influence housing demand and the local economy. Schools also serve as community gathering places for events, athletics, concerts, and other activities.

The referendum question will be on the November election ballot. Voting will be at usual voting sites - City Hall and local town halls. If you don't want to worry about your busy schedule or the weather, you can obtain an absentee ballot here. It is so vitally important that every supporter votes.

You must be registered to vote and have lived within the [TBD] for 28 days. You can check your status here.

As part of the first round of budget reductions, the positions of middle school principal and instructional coach were combined into a single role.

The district currently employs five secretaries, three of whom work part time. Together, they support the district administrator, the three principals, the guidance office, and the athletic director. Their responsibilities extend far beyond answering phones and processing mail. They serve as receptionists, provide basic health support to students, assist with student services, maintain records, complete required state reports, help enforce school procedures, and cover for colleagues when needed.

Both administrators and administrative support staff play essential roles in ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the school district.